Intro to Career Skills & Mindfulness: For Aspiring Admin & Virtual Assistants
In this 12-week course, preteens and teens will learn essential skills for administrative and virtual assistant roles, including time management, organization, and communication. Mindfulness practices are integrated to ensure students maint
Mrs. V
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(2)
New on Outschool
What's included
12 live meetings
12 in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. Mastery of the course material will be evaluated through a combination of in-class activities, participation, and optional assignments. Students will demonstrate their understanding by applying the skills in practical scenarios, such as organizing tasks, creating documents, or managing schedules.Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of the 12-week course, each student will receive a personalized certificate of completion. This certificate will highlight the key skills and competencies learned throughout the course, including time management, professional communication, organization, document management, and task management. The certificate is designed to be a valuable addition to the student’s resume or application for future employment as an administrative or virtual assistant. It serves not only as a recognition of their hard work and dedication but also as a formal acknowledgment of the practical skills they have acquired, which are essential for success in administrative roles.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Beginner Level
This 12-week course will teach preteens and teens the foundational skills needed to excel as administrative and virtual assistants. Students will learn time management, organization, communication, customer service, scheduling, and basic office software skills. Additionally, the course will integrate mindfulness practices to help students maintain balance and well-being while performing their duties. Each week, students will engage in a 60-minute live session that includes a mix of lecture, hands-on activities, and interactive discussions. The class will begin with a short mindfulness activity to help students focus and reduce stress. Afterward, I will introduce the week’s topic, provide instruction using visual aids and examples, and then guide students through practical exercises. We’ll wrap up each session with a reflection and Q&A to ensure students fully understand the material. My teaching style is interactive and supportive. I believe in engaging students through a mix of lectures, hands-on activities, and group discussions. Visual aids, slides, and examples will be used to clarify concepts and ensure understanding. Each session will be designed to encourage participation and active learning, with plenty of opportunities for students to ask questions and share their thoughts. My teaching style is student-centered, emphasizing participation, practical application, and well-being. I incorporate mindfulness exercises into each session to help students manage stress and stay focused. I aim to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel supported and encouraged to succeed. Students will have multiple opportunities to interact with me during each session. They can ask questions during the lecture, participate in group discussions, and receive personalized feedback during hands-on activities. I also encourage students to reach out through the classroom’s online platform if they have questions or need additional support between sessions.
Learning Goals
Priorities: Students will learn how to prioritize tasks effectively, manage their time, and create schedules that help them meet deadlines efficiently in an administrative or virtual assistant role.Students will practice professional communication, including email etiquette, phone manners, and clear written communication, essential for success in administrative roles.
Syllabus
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Administrative and Virtual Assistance
*Overview of the roles of administrative assistants, executive assistants, and virtual assistants.
*Key skills and qualities needed for success in these roles. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Time Management and Prioritization
*Basics of time management: prioritizing tasks, creating to-do lists, and managing deadlines.
*Introduction to tools like planners and digital calendars. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Effective Communication Skills
*Basics of professional communication: email etiquette, phone manners, and clear written communication.
*Introduction to common communication tools (e.g., email clients, Slack). ***Students will not be given access to these platforms, rather have the opportunity to view the platforms from the instructor's shared screen*** 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Basic Organization and Filing Systems
*Introduction to physical and digital filing systems.
*Tips for staying organized in a fast-paced environment. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class supports unique learning needs. We use visual aids, clear instructions, multi-sensory activities, and mindfulness practices to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Pre-Requisites
No prerequisites are required for this course. It's designed for beginners, so no prior experience in administrative tasks or virtual assistance is needed. A basic understanding of using a computer and the internet will be helpful.
Supply List
Learner Supply List: Notebook and Pen/Pencil: For taking notes during class sessions and completing any written exercises. Printable Worksheets: Provided by the instructor before certain sessions; these will be available as digital downloads. Computer or Tablet: Required for accessing online classes, completing assignments, and using third-party tools like Google Workspace, Trello, and Asana. Internet Access: Reliable internet connection for participating in live sessions on Zoom and accessing online resources. Google Workspace (Free): Students will need access to Google Docs and Google Sheets for document management exercises. Optional - Microsoft Office: If students have access to Microsoft Word and Excel, they can use these for similar tasks to what is done with Google Workspace. Parent Supervision: For setting up and managing accounts on Trello and Asana if the student is under 13, to ensure privacy and safety. **Trello is a task management tool that is not specifically designed for children under 13 and may not fully comply with COPPA. Parents should supervise their child’s use of Trello and assist in setting up and managing the account to ensure privacy and safety.** **Asana is a project management tool that may not fully comply with COPPA for users under 13. Parents are advised to supervise their child’s use of Asana, including account setup and management, to ensure a safe and secure online experience.** ****Students will not be required to set up accounts on Trello, Asana, or any other platform for this class. During the course, students will observe the teacher navigating these tools to provide an introduction to their features. While it is not required, students may choose to explore these platforms outside of class on their own to gain a better understanding. For students under 13, parents should supervise any use of these platforms to ensure privacy and safety.****
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Official guides and tutorials for Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Docs/Sheets to support the document creation and management lessons.
Techniques and exercises adapted from reputable mindfulness resources such as "Mindful Schools" and "The Mindful Teen" by Dzung Vo, MD.
Tutorials and guides for using Trello and Asana from their official websites to help students learn and practice task management.
Materials and best practices sourced from professional communication guides such as "The Etiquette Advantage in Business" by Peggy Post and Peter Post.
Information and examples drawn from my professional experience in education, administrative roles, and virtual assistance, tailored to meet the needs of preteens and teens.
Teacher expertise and credentials
New Jersey Teaching Certificate
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Kean University
I bring over 20 years of experience in the public education sector, where I supported district leadership and developed administrative skills. I have hands-on experience as a substitute teacher and extensive knowledge in virtual assistance, having successfully run my own virtual assistant business. My background includes proficiency in essential office software, task management tools, and professional communication, all of which I teach with a focus on practical application. Additionally, I incorporate mindfulness practices into my teaching, drawing from my experience in supporting children with diverse learning needs, including ADHD and ASD. This blend of professional experience and personal insight equips me to effectively teach the foundational skills needed for success as an administrative or virtual assistant.Reviews
Live Group Course
$23
weekly1x per week, 12 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
3-12 learners per class
